Kiln
wash, or batt wash as used in the ceramics field, is largely made up
of alumina hydrate, kaolin (china clay), and often some colouring to
indicate an unfired shelf.
These
solids are heavy and settle to the bottom of the container quickly.
So, you have to agitate the contents with each dip of the brush onto
the liquid. To provide adequate - and even – coverage of the shelf,
mould or other refractory material, you should paint in four
directions. Up, down and the diagonals. You need to apply just
enough that you do not see the shelf surface.
Alternatively
you can spray the solution onto the surface. This is an easier way
to get an even covering, but it sometimes is overly stippled.
A
tip I was given for the smoothest kiln shelf is to level the damp
prepared shelf and spray a layer of warm water over the wash to form
a very shallow puddle. As the water is absorbed into the shelf, the
only limitation to the smoothness of the surface is the granular
nature of the kiln wash.
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